1.20.2014

Thursday,
January 9, 2014 marked the beginning of a series of workshops for
constituents in the 181st
Legislative district of Philadelphia. Representative, W. Curtis
Thomas, cognizant of the fact that his constituents were up against
some serious challenges in gaining access to the needed insurance to
foster health and wellness, launched the program to give them one on
one interface opportunities, as opposed to trying to maneuver the
computer systems.

His
rationale, a sound one, but one obviously overlooked in other areas
and municipalities, is simply this: “Not everybody has a computer;
for those who do, it may be a little more challenging than they are
accustomed to, and so they'll not follow through, and there are so
many of our seniors who never have and never will own a computer.
The other problem is that few, if any are aware of the libraries that
may have computers, and so many of the libraries in our areas don't
have hours that are conducive to working people.”

Add
to those the problem of having a *rep-ugly-con (*republican – for
the uninitiated) governor, and you can see that it's compounded
exponentially. The Democratic legislators, elected officials and
community organizers are waging a battle against the penchant they
have for trying to deprive the needy, while simultaneously trying to
pad the pockets of the greedy.

The
event, which was hosted at the African American United Fund
Conference Center, 2231 N. Broad Street inPhiladelphia, was extremely
comprehensive, with Representatives from Resources for Human
Development (RHD), serving as Obama Care Navigatorsk on hand with
the requisite computers to make it possible for them to register on
the spot.

So,
in addition to it being an information gathering opportunity, Thomas
is making every effort to ensure his constituents don't leave without
the proper coverage.

Though
the target was his 181st
district, he stated he was not turning anyone away just because they
resided in another area. “Affordable health care is a challenge
that needs to be addressed regardless of where they live,” he
quipped.

In
speaking to the residents, he also stated that most of the dearth of
services occurred in the 25 and 22nd
police districts – which was also an area with higher than normal
crime rates; and an area that he and his staff, will be focusing on
in the future.

Like
so many other legislators, Thomas' district had been hit by
rep-ugly-con dominated gerrymandering over a period of time in order
to water down his effectiveness in serving his constituents.
However, those actions proved futile, as he has consistently provided
comprehensive, quality service and information over the decades.

He
also stated that the current governor had introduced legislation to
reduce health care for people aged 12 through 55; and reduce the
CHIP (children's health insurance program) so that it covers children
ages 0 to 18. He is trying to reduce it to age 12, and if he can get
away with it, to age 6!!! This would leave a dearth of health care
for the most vulnerable.

“We
have over 3000 reports of neglect and abuse every month, ' he stated.
“And it takes action on the part of everybody. Some people think
you can pray it away; or you can throw empty promises at it, and it
will disappear. I don't and won't walk away. I used to get upset
when people called me 'old head'. Now it's been changed to 'O.G' –
which they say means a source of wisdom – so it's okay with me
now.”

He
is heartened by the fact that despite the governor's efforts, the new
State Attorney General has vowed to keep the Affordable Health Care
program affordable.

The
important thing he wanted to be sure the constituents understood was
the difference between market rate insurance programs under the
Affordable Care Act, and those that were subsidized, for families who
were either at or below the poverty level.

“It's
a major consideration when you realize that the price for affordable
insurance, if you're gainfully employed, is relatively manageable,
and is deducted from your salary – however, it's entirely different
if the cost of the care is the same as the income you receive. With
so many at that level, making sure they are enrolled in the correct
program is absolutely necessary.”

The
RHD Health Insurance Navigator Program, which was one of the
presenters, featured Ms. Wendy Davis, program director, who explained
the differences between Market and Subsidized programs. She
indicated that there were several other navigator programs as well,
some of which were authorized to do home visits for those seniors and
elderly, and those operating under diminished capacity. Www.rhd.org,
855.668.9536.

Ms.
Davis indicated that her organization was a comprehensive program
that offered a myriad of services in the greater Philadelphia area,
including job training and opportunities. They had been given a
grant and a temporary contract to assist with the enrollment roll
out. When I asked why it was temporary, with so many people needing
assistance, it seemed rather short sighted on the part of the
government.

Each
workshop participant was provided with a hard copy of the enrollment
form for the ACA, and the facilitator went through it point by point.
A few constituents came with the required documents and were
enrolled on the spot. Others received comprehensive information on
how to choose an insurance plan and how to enroll. A representative
from the PA Department of Public Welfare was on hand to discuss the
expanded Medicaid plan and eligibility requirements.

According
to Representative Thomas, Philadelphia has one of the highest
population of senior citizens of any major urban area. He indicated
that he would be offering additional workshops on the 20th
and 28th
of January, and on through the end of March if necessary to ensure,
to the extent possible, that his constituents had every opportunity
to enroll. He looked to enlist the assistance of the local churches
as well in getting people enrolled.

“I
know that there are many who are embarrassed to admit that they
either don't own an computer, or that they don't understand how to
enroll. Some may not even know we're offering these programs, so
we'll be doing some door to door canvassing of the area to make sure
that they are aware and participate.”

There
is a distinct learning curve in filing forms online, and those who
have not had the advantage of computer training should check in their
respective communities or with their legislative representatives to
find out when and where workshops are being offered in their
communities. This is as important in New York as it is in
Philadelphia; in DC as it is in Oklahoma City; in California as it is
in Mississippi; in Atlanta as it is in Ohio – you get my drift.
This is a nationally comprehensive law, and the law of the land must
be upheld and implemented.

Empower4U

Regardless
of where you are, who you are, what race, age, or gender you are –
you need to enroll for comprehensive insurance under the Affordable
Care Act. Representative W. Curtis Thomas is a shining example of a
legislator who cares about his people and their well being. He is
walking his talk.

And,
while I'm sure there may be others, we all know that there are just
as many who could care less – especially in repuglycon dominated
states. However, there are just as many in Democratic states who are
taking things for granted, and overlooking the fact, that for all
practical purposes, many of their constituents are relatively
computer illiterate – or don't possess computers at all. Just
because we see them on TV and in the movies, does not mean that
everyone has one at home, or that they know how to use them.

As
a constituent and a part of WE, THE PEOPLE, you are each empowered –
individually and collectively - to demand that they provide you with
the information and services to make it possible for you to receive
the information on a face to face basis, so you can enroll in an
informed manner. Whether you have a computer or not, they should be
facilitating you with the services you require.

Now
is the time to request this – it will be March 31 before you know
it. Contact the office local, state or government representative,
and request (demand) the assistance be provided you.

It's
your life, your health, your country, your government, your city, your
state, your representative(s) - they're either working for you or
against you - there is no neutral. 2014 is the year where the rubber
meets the road. It's time to take out the trash - those who don't have
your best interest at heart - and you can see that through their good
works - or lack thereof - have to go. And those who are, make sure you
back them up. - (c) 1/14/14/GDWENTERPRISES ###